When it works

Last night was one of those shifts. We had a full house. I had a lot of post-ops and was working with one LPN and one RN, both of whom are always looking out for their patients. There were three other PCTs on the floor to make a full compliment of four, including myself. We were adequately staffed for once. What I mean by one of "those" shifts is that we all worked together. My nurses were not put out by getting a blanket or emptying a foley. My fellow PCTs helped me with my blood draws since I had the majority. I helped them with their total care patients and wherever I could pitch in.

This shift ran like butter. I got to sit with one of my patients with chronic pain syndrome and was terribly depressed. I got to stroke her forehead and really listen and use some of that theraputic communication that is part gift, part skill. I know I helped brighten her darkness, even if only a little and only for that time I had her under my care. While doing a full bed bath an expressive aphasic stroke patient, I talked to him, looked him in the eye and never lost sight of the fact that this man was not merely an object to be bathed, cleaned and fed. When I said goodbye to him upon leaving his room, I heard him say "bye". What an effort it took him as no one thought he could talk at all!

Sometimes it just works and when it does, there is nothing that even comes close to matching the satisfaction that comes with direct bedside patient care. To see the thanks in the eyes, to hear a patient talk for the first time following a CVA, to work together with an awesome group of dedicated people who speak respectfully to you, about you and the patients, I ask you, can you think of any better, more rewarding job on earth? I am more determined than ever to hit my books and become the best nurse I can be.